A Personal Trainer's Top 4 Tips for Running During Pregnancy

There are many emotions that come with seeing those beautiful positive lines on a pregnancy test — happiness, shock, and maybe a little bit of fear. On that day, your entire life changes, and for many of us that includes switching up our exercise routine. This change in exercise — plus the fact that your little one is growing like crazy each day — means your body is likely going to look a bit different.

I have been blessed with a fairly easygoing pregnancy and have been able to run for the entire duration. My doctor gave me the go-ahead in the beginning, because I had already been running regularly before getting pregnant. Here are a few tips I have used while running during my first pregnancy. (Please be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning or continuing any sort of exercise program while pregnant.)

I cut myself some slack. I found that I got tired a bit quicker than before, especially in the first trimester and then again in my third trimester. I try not to be too hard on myself about it. I just run however I feel like running, for as long as I feel like running. I went from running about 30 miles a week to only 10 miles a week throughout my pregnancy. It was all I really felt like doing, and I was okay with that. Movement is movement, plain and simple. It's good for the body and for the mind.

I planned out my route around bathrooms. I found in the first and third trimesters, I needed to make bathroom pit stops along the way during my runs. Whether this is at a public park, a local convenience store, or a loop around my house, I know I have somewhere I can stop to use the restroom if I need it. Having to use the bathroom exponentially more often is definitely not a wives tale!

I listened to my body. There have been many times while I have been running when I just felt like stopping and started to walk. No matter the reason, whether it was a need to pee, my hips feeling a little off, or some round ligament pain, I have no issue walking whatsoever. My body is telling me to slow down, so I listen to it. I always try to remember that I am training for one thing during pregnancy — labor. And I don't let previous running goals or habits cloud my judgement.

I bought roomier running clothes. Wedgies and consistent chaffing is not the most ideal situation mid-run. That's why I grabbed a couple of new (supportive!) sports bras to accommodate my growing chest and running shorts in a size up from the normal. I needed to wear new shorts pretty quickly after finding out I was expecting due to my growing hips and expanding thighs.

It's not only your clothes size that changes — it's your body, too! Of course, we all know this is bound to happen, however, it was also something I mentally was not ready for (and had no idea I wasn't until it actually happened!). At first, my transition from having an athletic, runner body to a more full-figured one to support a child was tough. I didn't like how I looked in or out of clothes and mentally needed reassurance this was all happening the way it was supposed to.

The moment I can remember finally being comfortable in my body was the day I started to get that beautiful baby bump. One day, someone asked me if I was pregnant, and it just kept happening from then on out. I felt so much better because others were recognizing my growing mid-section as a new little person, instead of just a really large dinner! As I talked to other friends and family who have been pregnant, I came to find out this is a pretty normal feeling, and I am not the only one who has been uncomfortable with a growing pregnant body. Who knew?

Mary is a certified personal trainer and running coach, expecting her firstchild in February 2014. She chronicles her running and fitness endeavorsover atwww.foodandfunontherun.com.

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